A scientific study has caused scientists to suggest that the sperm obese man produce is of a poorer quality than that of thinner men, according to a story posted on news.bbc.co.uk. Scientists suggest that the reason for the lesser quality sperm has to do with there being too much fat surrounding the testicles of obese men, causing a rise in temperature in the testes.

Researchers at the University of Aberdeen examined the sperm of over 2,000 men who were experiencing troubles conceiving with their partners. They found that the heaviest men in the study had a “higher proportion of abnormal sperm.” At a European fertility conference the scientists reported that losing weight would probably increase fertility.

Dr Ghiyath Shayeb, who led this research, says that those men in the study with a higher Body Mass Index had lower volumes of seminal fluid, and a higher proportion of abnormal sperm. Other studies have also linked obesity to DNA damage in the sperm according, to the BBC News story.

“Adopting a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and regular exercise will, in the vast majority of cases, lead to a normal BMI,” said  Dr. Shayeb. “We are pleased to be able to add improved semen quality to the long list of benefits that we know are the result of an optimal body weight.”